"Mr. Johnston, if you have something to say, just get on with it," Addison said, leaning slightly out from behind Gordon. She wasn't standing behind Gordon out of fear that Lance might hit or harm her in his anger; rather, she was wary of him repeating the physical intimidation he had shown earlier. She had no desire for any more unwelcome proximity. "Oh, and one more thing," she added with a frosty edge, her voice devoid of warmth. "I categorically refuse to exchange the Fullers' funds for authorization. So, Mr. Johnston, save your breath." Noticing Lance's prolonged silence, Addison narrowed her eyes at him. His expression remained as cold and composed as usual, giving nothing away. But with her sharp instincts, Addison could tell the truth—there was a flicker of tension beneath his calm exterior. His Adam's apple visibly twitched, betraying his inner turmoil. Looking down, she noticed his fingers were clenched tightly, the knuckles pale from the pressure. A chill ran through Addison as the thought crossed her mind—would Lance really try to fight Gordon? Her heart raced, and she quickly spoke up, "Lance, the person standing in front of you is a former special forces soldier. You won't stand a chance if it comes to fighting him." His voice was icy, cutting through the air. "Are you threatening me?" Addison's heart skipped a beat at the sharpness in his tone. Although Gordon had a special forces background, Addison wasn't worried about fighting Lance herself. However, she really didn't want the two of them to clash. Lance's temperament was unpredictable, and it was hard to tell if she might unintentionally say something that would set him off. If it came to a real fight ... Addison didn't fully understand Gordon's temperament yet. She knew he was usually quiet and reserved, but she had no idea how he would react in a physical confrontation. If Gordon turned out to be someone who didn't care about his own safety when fighting ... she wouldn't be able to stop him. If Gordon were to hurt Lance badly, Addison wouldn't be able to justify it to Marilyn, let alone to Harvey. The more she thought about it, the more worried she became. She softly tugged at Gordon's sleeve, guiding him behind her, and stepped back in front of Lance. "I'm not threatening you, just giving you a warning," she said. Lance finally turned his attention away from Gordon, his eyes now fixed on the woman standing before him, a storm of emotions behind his gaze. Addison had upset him before, but this time was different ... As he thought about Addison's current position, Lance couldn't help but feel a frown tug at his face. He understood that the Johnstons were in desperate need of her assistance, which meant he had to keep his approach as calm and composed as possible, even if it meant compromising when necessary. ... Lance turned his head slightly, releasing the tension in his clenched right fist. He placed his pale fingers on his forehead, inhaled deeply, and made an effort to regain his composure. After a brief pause, Lance's emotions settled, and he spoke with controlled calmness, "Tell me what you want." Addison was confused, unsure of what he meant. "What conditions are you referring to?" Lance loosened his tie with one hand, his voice laced with impatience as he replied, "How can you transfer the authorization to my family?" "I've already said I won't agree to that," Addison responded, her eyelashes flickering slightly. "Do I need to repeat myself?" Lance's voice turned icy. "What about not divorcing?" Addison was caught off guard. "What did you just say? Are you serious?" Lance raised an eyebrow, his tone flat. "I'm not joking." After all this time dealing with Lance, Addison had never seen him crack a joke. But what was he getting at? Was Lance actually suggesting she not go through with the divorce? She'd already signed the papers—where was this sudden change of heart coming from? Could it be that Lance hadn't actually signed it?"I've already signed the divorce agreement and handed it over to you ... Lance, haven't you signed it yet?" Addison asked, her voice laced with disbelief. She couldn't grasp what Lance was thinking. However, Lance didn't see her disbelief the way she intended. Instead, he sensed a trace of excitement in her surprised tone. "Exchange the authorization for not getting a divorce," Lance repeated his earlier statement, not addressing her question. "Lance, did you sign it or not?!" Addison demanded, frustrated by his avoidance of the question. At this point, she was almost certain that Lance hadn't signed it. "Does it really matter if I signed it or not?" he replied. "Of course, it matters!" Addison's voice rose, her frustration clear. "You were the one who brought up the divorce agreement first and kept pushing me to sign it. Now that I've signed it, what is this all about? How can you be so inconsistent?" Addison's frustration boiled over as she spoke, her voice sharp and urgent. After everything, was it possible that Lance hadn't signed it at all? What was he thinking? Didn't he want to give Virginia a proper identity as soon as possible? Even if he didn't, with Virginia's personality, she'd undoubtedly push him to do so. "If I don't sign, are you unhappy?" Lance asked, his tone deliberate. "Of course, I'm not happy!" Addison's response was immediate, her frustration evident. Her mind felt like it was spinning. She had made up her mind to divorce Lance and sever all ties with the Johnstons, putting an end to the lies she had told herself before. But now, Lance was telling her that they weren't divorced, that she couldn't cut ties with the Johnstons ... Addison couldn't accept that. Addison had already resolved to part ways with the face that reminded her of Harvey, so the current turn of events took her by surprise. "Don't you want to marry your first love? If you don't sign, I'll forever be your wife ... Do you think it's right for a substitute to hold that role?" Addison's words came out harsher than usual as she pushed for the divorce.Lance's face remained emotionless. "If the authorization is there, then it makes perfect sense." This sentence clearly illustrates how vital the Levosulin authorization in Dr. Nancy's hands is to Johnston Enterprise. Addison let out a scoff, "Mr. Johnston certainly never strays far from the authorization, does he? "Are you willing to let your precious Virginia suffer just for the sake of that authorization? It seems like you don't care for her as much as you claim," Addison's voice grew increasingly mocking. "Perhaps we should bring Virginia here and let her hear how her beloved Lance treats her. "Do you truly love her? Honestly, it doesn't seem like you do!" Lance remained unfazed by Addison's pointed words, refusing to rise to her bait or react to her mocking tone. Addison's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She had said all there was to say, even going so far as to mention Virginia. Yet, she still couldn't decipher Lance's intentions. With no other options left, she decided to draw a firm line. "I will not approve the authorization for the Johnstons. Mr. Johnston, kindly see yourself out," she declared, her tone resolute. Lance's expression darkened, a deep frown settling on his face. Addison's reaction had completely caught him off guard. "Why?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and frustration. "Are you still upset about what happened at Johnston Residence?" Addison tilted her head, blinking as though trying to recall. "What exactly are you referring to about Johnston Residence?" "Everyone in the Johnstons has treated you unfairly and caused you pain—I'm aware it bothers you." Something about Lance's expression as he spoke made Addison feel as though he was delivering a sermon from a pedestal, exuding an air of unwarranted authority. Addison arched an eyebrow at his remark, her lips curving into a faint, disinterested smile. "Upset? Hardly." Lacking both affection and animosity, she felt no personal connection to the Johnstons and, as a result, bore no grudge against them.